THE MOUNTAINTOP

"I believe in human beings and all human beings should be respected as such regardless of their color."

An American Muslim minister and human rights activist, Malcolm X raised the self-esteem of Black Americans and reconnected them with their African heritage. The Black Power movement, the Black Arts Movement and the widespread adoption of the slogan “Black is beautiful” can all trace their roots to Malcolm X. Many Blacks felt that Malcolm X orated their issues better than the media and he is largely responsible for the spread of Islam in the Black community. Just before his death, Malcolm X rearranged his viewpoints on race in America. He stated that "in many parts of the African continent I saw White people helping Black people. Something like this kills a lot of argument. I did many things as a Muslim that I'm sorry for now" and he is glad "to be free" of what he once was. He has been called one of the greatest and most influential Black Americans in history.